Space solves: Blanket box and herringbone floors

I live in a small flat with limited storage, am desperate for an end-of-bed trunk/blanket box, but don't want to spend more than £200. "Try Next 's Opus Oak (effect) Trunk, a snip at £99," says interior designer Suzy Hoodless. " John Lewis also has several: I like the white Sophia blanket box, £157, and the Malmö in pine, £104. For an even cheaper version, have a look at pinesolutions.co.uk : the Belgravia in white has a shabby chic look and is currently £63.75." I live in a small flat with concrete floors, but would love a traditional herringbone floor . I need to have a high-quality underlay (so as not to upset the downstairs neighbours). Does affordable herringbone-engineered wood exist? DIY expert Bridget Bodoano says, "Engineered wood is more expensive than laminates, but it's better-looking. It's also less prone to warping than real wood floorboards. Try flooring2floors.co.uk – from around £20/sq m. Victorianwoodworks.co.uk , has a large selection of new and reclaimed wood flooring. If your budget won't stretch, try a good-quality laminate with a wood rather than plastic surface: try birbek.com or factory-direct-flooring.co.uk . Even with acoustic underlay, it may be noisier than carpet, so check the requirements of your lease first." • Got a question for our crack team of homes experts? Email [email protected]